Prepping Theatre 80 for its next chapter on St. Mark's Place

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Workers began prepping 78-80 St. Mark's Place, the historic theater building just west of First Avenue, for its next chapter at the storied address. 

On Wednesday, a dumpster arrived outside Theatre 80... and workers were spotted hauling out items from inside...

First, here is a quick recap of what has happened here in recent years. 

During a bankruptcy auction in May 2023, business and life partners Ori Kushnir and Sivan Lahat, residents and former commercial tenants (Foxface) of the building, reportedly put in the highest bid at $8.8 million. 

The previous longtime owners, Lorcan Otway and his wife, Genie Gilmore Otway, were ordered off the property by a court-appointed bankruptcy trustee in April 2023. (You can read more background here and here.) The Otways lived in an apartment at the address that also housed Theatre 80, the William Barnacle Tavern and the Museum of the American Gangster. 

Howard Otway, Lorcan's father, bought the venue in 1964. (The buildings here date to the mid-1840s.)

The renovation plans

In an email, Kushnir explained that they're preparing the building for asbestos abatement, removing broken appliances and furniture, old carpets, paperwork, etc. No construction is taking place. 

"Once that's done, we plan comprehensive renovations with sustainability, housing, accessibility and preservation in mind," said Kushnir, who currently operates Foxface Natural on Avenue A with Lahat. 

He outlined several goals they aim to achieve, all currently pending approval: 

• Improve the layout downstairs so that the bar can be expanded back to its original size (it was cut in half when Theatre 80 was built in the late 1960s, Kushnir said. 

• Create a total of at least seven legal apartments. ("As things stand, there are only two legal apartments in the whole building," he said.) 

• Repair the facade, roofs, and back wall and improve insulation to reduce heating and cooling energy needs. 

• Make the bar, theater, and first-floor apartments ADA-accessible. 

• "Preserve the theater as a public venue and retain key elements of the facade, such as the blade sign that has seen many names," Kushnir said.

And the big question: Are any commercial tenants lined up for a post-renovation building? 

"Not yet," Kushnir said. "We spoke with several theater companies but haven't found the right fit." 

The building's past lives include a Prohibition-era speakeasy, a bar-cabaret in the 1930s-1940s, a jazz club in the 1950s, and, starting in 1967, an Off-Broadway venue where "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" debuted in March 1967. From the 1970s through the early 1990s, a revival movie theater often showed double features. 

Kushnir shared this photo from the mid-1960s...

City removes the curbside dining space outside Theatre 80 on St. Mark's Place

This morning, city workers began removing the curbside dining structure from outside the former Theatre 80/William Barnacle Tavern on St. Mark's Place just west of First Avenue. (Thanks to the reader for these photos.) 

On April 7, the Department of Transportation issued a "Termination" notice for the curbside space — just two days after a court-appointed bankruptcy trustee locked the longtime owners out of the premises. 

Several readers-residents previously noted that it seemed cruel to issue the notice so soon after the court-sanctioned removal of owners Lorcan and Genie Otway. It also showed a remarkable steely precision by the DOT, not known for staying on top of the multiple unused or abandoned streeteries around the neighborhood.

The owners of Foxface, current residents and former commercial tenants of the building housing Theatre 80, were reportedly the high bidders for 78-80 St. Mark's Place during its bankruptcy auction on May 9.

Their new venture, Foxface Natural, debuted in May at 189 Avenue A between 11th Street and 12th Street.

Updated: 

Thanks to Steven for this photo...

A winning bid for Theatre 80; a vow to keep fighting for the building

The owners of Foxface, current residents and former commercial tenants of the building housing Theatre 80, were reportedly the high bidders for 78-80 St. Mark's Place during its bankruptcy auction on May 9.

As The Village Sun first reported, business and life partners Ori Kushnir and Sivan Lahat put in the winning bid at $8.8 million under a single-purpose entity. 

Kushnir and Lahat have lived in an apartment in the building just west of First Avenue since 2005. They later operated the popular Foxface specialty sandwich shop from the front window in late 2018, drawing crowds and a positive review from Pete Wells at The New York Times. 

The quick-serve shop closed last September and planned to relocate ahead of the bankruptcy proceedings here to a larger space at 189 Avenue A between 11th Street and 12th Street. They are now running Foxface Natural, which debuts this coming Wednesday.

There is some recent legal history between the two parties. LIK Hospitality (dba Foxface) filed a lawsuit against owner Lorcan Otway and the William Barnacle Tavern at the address in March 2021. 

Meanwhile, Village Preservation is continuing its efforts to have the building landmarked. Per a recent newsletter: 

We are deeply saddened to report that [on May 9], lacking intervention from the city, 78-80 St. Mark's Place, the longtime home of Theatre 80, was sold at auction ... This is a tragic loss for our city and neighborhood, and particularly tragic for the Otways, the long-time proprietors of the building and theater.

However, this need not be the end of this story. The Otways are still urging the city to intervene to take possession of the building and allow it to be operated by a nonprofit which would continue the work of Theatre 80, and we are still fighting to have the historic building landmarked, so no matter who the owner is, we can ensure this piece of our city’s history is not destroyed. We will continue to work to try to ensure that the cultural vitality embodied by Theatre 80 and the history embodied by this building survive. 

There's also a petition in circulation, now currently titled, "Mayor Adams, SAVE THEATRE 80 with Eminent Domain!" As of last evening, more than 8,000 people have signed it. 

New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs has also supported the theater's survival efforts. In April, the office expedited granting a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status to Historic 80 Saint Marks Inc., which opened the venue up to receiving various grants. 

Kushnir told the Sun that the building needs a lot of work. As for future commercial tenants: "Our first preference is to work with the preservation/theater groups to see if we can find a viable solution for keeping a community space alive in the building."

Meanwhile, the longtime owners, Lorcan Otway and his wife Genie Gilmore Otway, were ordered off the property by a court-appointed bankruptcy trustee on April 5. They have been staying in a room on Ninth Street provided by Father Pat, a longtime friend.

As previously reported, the Otways had been battling in recent years to save the space, which housed Theatre 80, the William Barnacle Tavern and the Museum of the American Gangster. (Lorcan had lived here since age 9 when his father bought the buildings to create an Off-Broadway theater in 1964.)

The two-building property was sold off to satisfy a $12 million loan in default via Maverick Real Estate Partners. (Our previous posts here and here have more background.)

EVG contributor Stacie Joy ran into the Otways in Tompkins Square Park last week. Lorcan said, "The fight is not over."

Previously on EV Grieve

• A look at Theatre 80 last night before marshals seize the historic East Village venue

• Local elected officials speak out to landmark Theatre 80 ahead of auction

Local elected officials speak out to landmark Theatre 80 ahead of auction

Local City Councilmember Carlina Rivera, Assemblymember Deborah Glick and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine have asked the city to landmark the historic Theatre 80 on St. Mark's Place ahead of the planned auction on May 9. 

According to Village Preservation, which is spearheading this campaign: 

Landmarking will save the building from destruction, but won't save the beloved theatre and other cultural institutions within. We have also asked elected officials and the entire public to join Theatre 80 in calling upon the city to intervene and acquire the building and establish a permanent home for Theatre 80 there.

In the letter to Mayor Adams and Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Sarah Carroll, the elected officials write: 

For years, our offices have advocated for this beloved cultural institution and piece of New York history to remain. Currently, it is in danger of being lost to real estate speculation that is plaguing many neighborhoods in our city, especially the East Village. A landmark designation for these buildings will honor the legacy of artists and immigration in the East Village, as well as protect this important cultural institution for today’s audiences and future generations. 

Find the full letter here.

As previously reported, owners Lorcan and Genie Otway have been battling in recent years to save the space, which houses Theatre 80, a 199-seat theater, the William Barnacle Tavern and the Museum of the American Gangster. (Lorcan had lived here since age 9 when his father bought the buildings to create an Off-Broadway theater in 1964.)

The two-building property is set to be sold off to satisfy a $12 million loan that is in default via Maverick Real Estate Partners. (Our previous posts here and here have more background.)

Bidders for the property, which includes several residences on the upper floors, must register by May 8 and supply a cashier's check for $950,000 payable to a Chapter 7 trustee. 

Love for Theatre 80 as auction looms next month

Top photo by Stacie Joy 

Several people have left messages of support for Genie and Lorcan Otway in the days after the owners of Theatre 80 were ordered off the property last week at 78-80 St. Mark's Place between First Avenue and Second Avenue. 

One message reads, "We love you & need you back," signed by "the NYC artists and activist community." Another note says, "wishing you the best possible outcome."

As previously reported, the Otways have been battling in recent years to save the space, which houses Theatre 80, a 199-seat theater, the William Barnacle Tavern and the Museum of the American Gangster. (Lorcan had lived here since age 9 when his father bought the buildings to create an Off-Broadway theater in 1964.)

The two-building property is set to be sold off to satisfy a $12 million loan that is in default via Maverick Real Estate Partners. (Our previous posts here and here have more background.)

And the virtual bankruptcy auction has been set for May 9. Bidders for the property, which includes several residences on the upper floors, must register by May 8 and supply a cashier's check for $950,000 payable to a Chapter 7 trustee.  (The auction signs arrived yesterday.)

Meanwhile, the Otways have a short window left to raise the rest of the money owed (roughly $6 million) ... and hope for an angel investor with deep pockets. (Lorcan has also said the IRS was being surprisingly helpful.)

New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs has supported the theater's survival efforts. The office expedited granting a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status to Historic 80 Saint Marks Inc., which opens the venue up to various grants.

Meanwhile, more than 7,000 people have signed a petition to save the space. Organizers have also asked supporters to contact Gov. Hochul to intervene.

Updated: There is a GoFundMe here.

City issues curbside dining structure removal to Theatre 80 2 days after its owners were forced from the property

Photos by Stacie Joy 

On Friday, the Department of Transportation issued a "Termination" notice for the curbside dining structure outside Theatre 80/William Barnacle Tavern on St. Mark's Place — just two days after a court-appointed bankruptcy trustee locked the longtime owners out of the premises. 

The flyer states that this is the third Notice to Correct. The owners have 48 hours to remove the structure and the tables and chairs, or the city will do it and charge the business...

Several readers-residents shared the above notice, pointing out that it seemed cruel to issue this two days after the court-sanctioned removal of owners Lorcan and Genie Otway. It also showed a remarkable steely precision by the DOT, not known for staying on top of the multiple unused or abandoned streeteries around the neighborhood.

As previously reported, the Otways have been battling in recent years to save the space, which houses Theatre 80, a 199-seat theater, the William Barnacle Tavern and the Museum of the American Gangster.

The two-building property is set to be sold off to satisfy a $12 million loan that is in default via Maverick Real Estate Partners. As The Real Deal reported: "New York-based Maverick, led by David Aviram, has a reputation for aggressively buying up the troubled debt of real estate landlords — big and small — before raising interest rates to as high as 24%," which happened here.

The Otways have a three-week window to raise the rest of the money owed (some $6 million) ... and hope for an angel investor. 

New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs has also reportedly supported the theater's survival efforts. The office has already expedited granting a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status to Historic 80 Saint Marks Inc., opening them up to various grants.

More than 7,000 people have signed a petition to save the historical space between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

Updated: There is a GoFundMe here.

Theatre 80 is closed up for now

Photo by Stacie Joy

Yesterday saw Lorcan and Genie Otway, the longtime owners of 78-80 St. Mark's Place, ordered off the property here between First Avenue and Second Avenue. 

As previously reported, the Otways have been battling in recent years to save the space, which houses Theatre 80, a 199-seat theater, the William Barnacle Tavern and the Museum of the American Gangster.

The two-building property is set to be sold off to satisfy a $12 million loan that is in default via Maverick Real Estate Partners. As The Real Deal reported: "New York-based Maverick, led by David Aviram, has a reputation for aggressively buying up the troubled debt of real estate landlords — big and small — before raising interest rates to as high as 24%." And per the Times: "The firm, according to court documents, has closed over 130 distressed debt transactions, with a total value of over $300 million." (Our previous post has more background.) 

Several readers said they expected a more dramatic show of force — tickets/seizure notices, court paperwork and padlocks. 

As EVG contributor Stacie Joy observed, a court-appointed bankruptcy trustee was on-hand with a man in plain clothes. The two changed the locks on the commercial spaces and the residential building at No. 78, where the Otways lived. They are no longer allowed to be on the premises, though the other tenants can continue living here.

Still, it wasn't any less traumatic for the Otways. Lorcan had lived here since age 9 when his father bought the buildings to create an Off-Broadway theater in 1964. They were seen leaving the premises with some belongings in a rental truck.

The Otways have a three-week window to raise the rest of the money owed (roughly $6 million) ... and hope for an angel investor. (Lorcan has also said the IRS was being surprisingly helpful.)

New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs has also reportedly supported the theater's survival efforts. The office has already expedited granting a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status to Historic 80 Saint Marks Inc., which will open them up to various grants.

Meanwhile, more than 5,000 people have signed a petition to save the space. Organizers have also asked supporters to contact Gov. Hochul to intervene.

Updated: There is a GoFundMe here.

A look at Theatre 80 last night before marshals seize the historic East Village venue today

Photos by Stacie Joy 

At some point today, marshals are expected to seize the connected buildings at 78-80 St. Mark's Place, forcing owners and upstairs residents Lorcan and Genie Otway to vacate the property between First Avenue and Second Avenue ahead of a sale via a bankruptcy court.

As previously reported, the Otways have been battling in recent years to save the space, which houses a 199-seat theater, the William Barnacle Tavern and the Museum of the American Gangster. 

Per this December 2021 story in The New York Times, Lorcan said that the theater, which his father bought and started in 1964, and its companion businesses were in good financial health until March 2020 and the start of NY State's PAUSE. 

More background from the Times:

Shortly before then, he had taken out a $6.1 million mortgage against the properties to settle an inheritance dispute, pay legal fees and finance needed renovations. With the pandemic lockdown and a precipitous decline in revenue, that loan went into default and was purchased by Maverick Real Estate Partners about a year ago. The firm, according to court documents, has closed over 130 distressed debt transactions, with a total value of over $300 million.

The Times reported that the original lender later sold the debt to Maverick, which raised the interest rate from 10% to 24% without Lorcan's knowledge. The deficit reportedly ballooned to $12 million, and they filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 in December 2021. 

Last night, EVG contributor Stacie Joy stopped by the former Prohibition-era speakeasy for — possibly — a last look at the historic East Village venue.

Lorcan, who has been at the address since age 9, was understandably angry and sad last evening about the pending eviction and the kafkaesque situation that has unfolded here since the start of the pandemic ...

After the space is padlocked today, we understand that the Otways will have a three-week window to raise the rest of the money owed... and hope for an angel investor. 

New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs has also reportedly supported the theater's survival efforts. The office has already expedited granting a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status to Historic 80 Saint Marks Inc. 

To date, more than 5,000 people have signed a petition to save the space.

At the rally to save Theatre 80

Supporters of Theatre 80 gathered outside City Hall on Thursday afternoon to bring attention to the dire financial situation at the iconic East Village venue. 

Organizers said the rally also served to thank the office of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner, Laurie Cumbo, for expediting the granting of Not-For-Profit Tax Exempt status for Theatre 80.

Organizers also said that the Department of Cultural Affairs is seeking to raise the funding needed to stop the auctioning of the building at 78-80 St. Mark's Place between First and Second Avenue.

As previously reported, owners Lorcan and Genie Otway, who also live in a residence above the theater, have been ordered to vacate the property this coming week.

They've been battling in recent years to save the space, which houses a theater, the William Barnacle Tavern and the Museum of the American Gangster. Per this 2022 story in The New York Times, Lorcan said that the theater, which his father bought in 1964, and its companion businesses were in good financial health until March 2020 and the start of NY State's PAUSE.

More background from the Times:

Shortly before then, he had taken out a $6.1 million mortgage against the properties to settle an inheritance dispute, pay legal fees and finance needed renovations.

With the pandemic lockdown and a precipitous decline in revenue, that loan went into default and was purchased by Maverick Real Estate Partners about a year ago. The firm, according to court documents, has closed over 130 distressed debt transactions, with a total value of over $300 million.

The Times reported that the original lender later sold the debt to Maverick, which raised the interest rate from 10% to 24% without Lorcan's knowledge. 

On Thursday, attendees were encouraged to "come dressed as your favorite character from a great drama." 

"Without Theatre 80, without arts and culture, St Mark's Place may as well be another outdoor strip mall," said East Village activist and organizer Kenny Toglia, dressed as Brutus from Julius Caesar. "New York City will become the Big Applebee's."

PIX 11 covered the event: 

New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs has been supportive of the theater's efforts to survive. In a statement to PIX 11 News, it noted that so many groups have been devastated by the pandemic and added, "We've been working closely with Theatre 80 to explore their options and support their efforts to stay open." 

With a deadline rapidly approaching, the theater owners are hopeful some well-heeled lover of the arts will come forward with funds to save the theater. If not, federal marshals will take center stage next Wednesday to evict the owners and close the final curtain on the legendary theater with so much history.

There is a petition to save Theatre 80 here.

The first and last photos were by Peter Brownscombe; the other by Jah Spooky

Costume drama: About a rally at City Hall to help save Theatre 80, facing foreclosure on April 5

Lorcan and Genie Otway have been battling in recent years to save Theatre 80, the historic East Village property that houses a performance space, the William Barnacle Tavern and the Museum of the American Gangster at 78-80 St. Mark's Place between First and Second Avenue. 

On Thursday, March 30, from noon to 2 p.m., there's a rally at City Hall. 

Here's more via the media advisory:

Following the pandemic, Theatre 80, one of NYC's truly great Off-Broadway Theaters, is headed for foreclosure on April 5 by a predatory lender who bought their mortgage. (Maverick Real Estate was recently foiled in their attempt to dispossess a 90-year-old Holocaust survivor, as The Real Deal reported.)

Organizers ask attendees to "come dressed as your favorite character from a great drama."

They hope to raise awareness of the situation and ask the city's assistance in gaining time for Theatre 80 to become a non-profit. 

The rally takes place on the east side of City Hall Park.

Here's some background on the situation via a 2022 story at The New York Times. Lorcan said that the theater, museum and tavern were in good financial health until March 2020, when, like other businesses, they were forced to shutter during NY State's PAUSE.

More background from the Times:

Shortly before then, he had taken out a $6.1 million mortgage against the properties to settle an inheritance dispute, pay legal fees and finance needed renovations.

With the pandemic lockdown and a precipitous decline in revenue, that loan went into default and was purchased by Maverick Real Estate Partners about a year ago. The firm, according to court documents, has closed over 130 distressed debt transactions, with a total value of over $300 million.

The Times reported that the original lender later sold the debt to Maverick without Lorcan's knowledge.

Maverick, Otway said, then raised the interest rate to 24 percent, from 10 percent, bringing the roughly $6 million debt to about $8 million.

Here's more from September 2022 from Gothamist.

Previously

Report: Inside the fight to save Theatre 80 on St. Mark's Place

ICYMI: Journalist Katerina Barton filed a good piece for Gothamist on Theatre 80 owners Lorcan and Genie Otway and the legal battle to save the historic Theatre 80 on St. Mark’s Place. 

An excerpt: 

When the March 2020 pandemic lockdowns shuttered entertainment and hospitality industries everywhere, Otway couldn’t make his loan payments. In November 2020 he tried to negotiate an extension on the loan. He learned that his debt had been sold to Maverick Real Estate Partners. His interest rate had jumped from 10% to 24%. Maverick did not respond to requests for comment. 

Last December, Otway filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which would have allowed him to reorganize his finances and pay off the debt with future profits. But a bankruptcy court trustee said they didn't believe the theater, museum, and bar had enough income to make that plan work. Now the court has ordered the properties to be sold.

For the Otways, this solution isn’t viable. They live in an apartment upstairs along with other tenants in the building. “We would lose our future and our past,” Otway said. “You can imagine the nightmare we’re facing — it’s Kafkaesque.” 

Read the full piece here.

Previously

Foxface closing Friday ahead of a move to new Avenue A space

Photo from 2019 by Stacie Joy 

Foxface, the specialty sandwich shop inside the William Barnacle Tavern at Theatre 80 on St. Mark's Place, is closing this Friday ahead of a move to Avenue A.

As previously reported, Foxface has been working on a new outpost at 189 Avenue A between 11th Street and 12th Street. This location will be open in a few weeks, per an email sent yesterday to Foxface customers. 

The owners, East Village residents Ori Kushnir and Sivan Lahat, said the new spot "will be a bit of everything (but perhaps not a sandwich shop). We hope to see you there very soon." 

The original Foxface opened in late 2018, drawing a positive review from Pete Wells at The New York Times.

The move also comes as Theatre 80, the historic East Village property that houses a performance space, the William Barnacle Tavern and Museum of the American Gangster, will be forced to close in the weeks ahead for a bankruptcy auction. This article in the Post from last month has more about what has transpired at the iconic space. (More background here.)

Owner Lorcan Otway's father bought the adjoining properties, 78 and 80 St. Mark's Place, in 1964.

Friday's parting shot

As seen outside the William Barnacle Tavern at Theatre 80, 80 St. Mark's Place... 

Photo by Steven...

Updated 7 a.m.:

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Reports: Theatre 80, crown jewel of St. Mark's Place, enters bankruptcy, hopes to refinance loan

Let's get caught up on what's happening at Theatre 80, the historic East Village property that houses a performance space, the William Barnacle Tavern and Museum of the American Gangster at 78-80 St. Mark's Place between First and Second Avenue. (There are also several apartments here, and Foxface is a retail tenant.)

Owners Lorcan and Genie Otway have been working to prevent Maverick Real Estate Partners — an aggressive mortgage investor — from auctioning off the two buildings that Lorcan's father first purchased in 1964. (The Real Deal first reported on Maverick's hardball move in October.)

In a story published online Thursday, Lorcan told The New York Times that the theater, museum and tavern were in good financial health until March 2020, when, like other businesses, they were forced to shutter during NY State's PAUSE.

More background from the Times:

Shortly before then, he had taken out a $6.1 million mortgage against the properties to settle an inheritance dispute, pay legal fees and finance needed renovations.

With the pandemic lockdown and a precipitous decline in revenue, that loan went into default and was purchased by Maverick Real Estate Partners about a year ago. The firm, according to court documents, has closed over 130 distressed debt transactions, with a total value of over $300 million.

The Times reported that the original lender later sold the debt to Maverick without Lorcan's knowledge.

Maverick, Otway said, then raised the interest rate to 24 percent, from 10 percent, bringing the roughly $6 million debt to about $8 million.

This past Wednesday, as Bloomberg Law first reported,  the Otways filed for chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in hopes of avoiding foreclosure by Maverick Real Estate Partners. The properties were being marketed for foreclosure sale by Cushman & Wakefield. As The Wall Street Journal noted, the filing offers "a breathing spell to refinance an $8 million loan."

According to The Village Sun, Lorcan's plan is to ask Gov. Hochul for a low-interest loan for Theatre 80. Per the Sun and CBS 2, he reportedly has support from several local elected officials, including Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, State Sen. Brad Hoylman, Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, and City Councilmember Carlina Rivera, who told the Times that "this is a heartbreaking story."

Later this month, John McDonagh is hosting a benefit performance of his show "Off the Meter," a comedic take on his years as an NYC cab driver. The benefit takes place Jan. 21-23 at Theater 80. Find ticket info at this link. 

You can also support the business by having some food or drink (with more than a dozen varieties of Absinthe!) at the Willam Barnacle Tavern. They have a nice outdoor space too.

Theatre 80 is a crown jewel in this neighborhood, and in NYC... the kind of place we need to protect and support.

Image via Facebook

Longer hours now for Foxface on St. Mark's Place

[Photo by Stacie Joy]

You now have more hours in the day in which to try Foxface, the small sandwich operation inside the William Barnacle Tavern at Theatre 80 that East Village residents Ori Kushnir and Sivan Lahat opened late last year.

The owners announced extended hours for Foxface, 80 St. Mark's Place just west of First Avenue, starting today. So moving forward: Wednesday through Friday, noon to 3 p.m., then 5:30-9:30 p.m. ... and noon to 9 p.m. (or when they sell out!) on Saturday and Sunday.

Visit this link to see the daily sandwich specials and to order ahead. They've seen an uptick in business since Pete Wells at the Times filed a favorable review of Foxface in late August.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Longtime East Village residents open Foxface, now serving sandwiches at Theater 80

Pete Wells visits Foxface

[Photo by Stacie Joy]

Late last year, East Village residents Ori Kushnir and Sivan Lahat opened Foxface, a small sandwich operation inside the William Barnacle Tavern at Theatre 80 on St. Mark's Place.

And for his latest review at the Times, Pete Wells pays a visit... and he liked what he found.

Lately I have fallen under the spell of an East Village restaurant called Foxface. The cooking there is hard to pin down, geographically. Stopping in a few weeks ago, I ate Low Countryish wild red shrimp on grits, with sweet corn off the cob and a potent saffron-lobster sauce. More recently, I had skinless pork sausage inspired by sai ua, the spicy and tangy specialty identified with the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai. The soft tripe I enjoyed the other weekend had been simmered with ’nduja, the fiery and malleable Calabrian sausage, and then covered with a few thin shingles of shaved pecorino.

He also describes the unique (and small!) work environment in which Kushnir and Lahat create their sandwiches...

Like the fox in the logo, Ms. Lahat has coppery hair and wears cat’s-eye glasses. She prepares the orders in the room behind the window, which measures 48 square feet. Inside the building, under the stairs, Foxface has a second room. Mr. Kushnir thinks it could be as large as 14 square feet.

A variety of equipment is stowed in the two rooms, including three induction burners, a roaster, a smoker and a dishwasher. After business hours, some of it comes out as Mr. Kushnir supervises the more time-consuming roasts and stews. He describes the food that he and Ms. Lahat cook as “dishes we like to eat, reimagined as sandwiches.”

In the end, the review reads a lot more positively than you might think for one star (it is a NYT Critic's Pick).

Meanwhile, read our Q-and-A with the owners at the link below...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Longtime East Village residents open Foxface, now serving sandwiches at Theater 80

H/T Steven!

If you give a damn about Joan Jett's 'Bad Reputation' documentary

The Joan Jett documentary "Bad Reputation" has a one-night screening tomorrow (Aug. 2) at Theatre 80 on St. Mark's Place.

The synopsis!

The life and career of rock ‘n’ roll icon Joan Jett from her early years ripping it up onstage as the founder and backbone of hard-rock legends The Runaways, to her long time collaboration with Kenny Laguna as Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, and her enduring presence in pop culture as a rock pioneer and mentor. With her inimitable singles “I Love Rock N’ Roll,” and “Bad Reputation” Joan Jett inspired a generation of young women to rock.

"Bad Reputation" premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival... and the reviews have been mostly positive for its archival footage and commentary of assorted talking heads including Debbie Harry, Iggy Pop, Pete Townshend and Billie Joe Armstrong.

The trailer!



The film starts tomorrow night at 8 at Theatre 80, 80 St. Mark's Place west of First Avenue. Ticket info is at this link.